Monticello Motor club downplays noise issue, talks expansion

THOMPSON — The president of Monticello Motor Club said the private racetrack on Cantrell Road would build a sound barrier if required by the Town of Thompson.

Victor Whitman

THOMPSON — The president of Monticello Motor Club said the private racetrack on Cantrell Road would build a sound barrier if required by the Town of Thompson.

But Ari Straus said an opaque wall would appear ugly and unacceptable to neighbors who support MMC and haven't complained about noise. And, he said, a wall doesn't make economic sense as part of the club's $41 million to $45 million expansion plans. If the town should impose a sound barrier condition, however, "We would disagree and would honor that condition," Straus said.

Straus and other club representatives met Thursday with the Times Herald-Record's editorial board. Straus presented MMC's 10-year expansion plan and touted the club's economic benefits. MMC is seeking to revise its site plan for the 667-acre property, a former airport that was converted into an exclusive members racing club that opened in 2008. A public hearing before the Thompson Planning Board is scheduled for Wednesday. MMC intends to build up to 200 private garages, 70 condos, a larger clubhouse and make infrastructure improvements, which would enable the racetrack to host professional races, such as American Le Mans and IndyCar. The improvements would include building longer pits, a parking paddock and a trolley to shuttle spectators.

Several residents have complained about persistent noise and want the town to impose conditions. MMC paid for a sound study ordered by the town. The study identified one problem area on Rupp Road, where there's a bungalow colony in a quiet, wooded area directly in front of the track.

The study concluded that a sound barrier would be effective in mitigating noise from drivers accelerating at a turn with their car exhausts directly pointing at Rupp Road. The study didn't recommend sound barriers in other areas. The study also found the decibel levels of a propeller plane and a helicopter simulating takeoffs and landings were louder than the average noise level generated by racing at the track. Straus seized on this finding as the reason why the town shouldn't impose sound mitigation conditions.

He said it doesn't make sense to build a sound barrier that would cost up to $1.2 million.

Straus said MMC would like to become the racing equivalent of Augusta National Golf Club, which hosts the Masters golf tournament. MMC wants to host three to four pro races beginning in July 2014. These would draw an estimated 1,000 to 5,000 spectators.

Straus said live racing would accelerate its membership from its current 255 members to the goal of 750.

If the town requires MMC to build a sound wall, Straus said, that could delay the infrastructure improvements needed for the pro events that will increase membership.

The track has the money to invest about $300,000 to $500,000 annually on capital improvements. He said building private garages is the top priority as there is a waiting list. Straus said he is looking for other investors.

"We don't have $40 million in a bank waiting to be spent," Straus said. "We need to take out the misconception that this place is filled with wealthy members."